BALLSTON: July meeting is all business

The Town of Ballston town council, at its July 5 meeting, reviewed bids for the annual liability and casualty insurance coverage for $63,390, a cost reduction of $2,000 over this year's policy, which ends July 31. Quotes ranged from a high of $72,330 to the low bid from Selective Insurance Company.

In other business:

The board approved a proposal from C. T. Male Associates to prepare plans to extend the bike path from Outlet Road to Brookline Road, which would essentially add an additional 1.5 miles to the popular site. The trail system is located within a right of way belonging to the National Grid power company. The company's recreational trail policy was recently changed with fewer restrictions, which could now allow the bike path to be extended.

This is a very positive step, said council member Mary Beth Hynes. "This bike path is one of the most used recreational facilities located in the town."

"This has been a long time coming," said council member Jim Briaddy.

Attorney Thomas Peterson was retained to represent the town in future appeals to its decision to block Wal-Mart from building in town. The appeal, made by property owners Frank and Marie Rossi, has been going back and forth through the courts for almost two years. The Rossi family has vowed to continue contesting the board decision after local judges denied their claim twice.

Ellen Brown of Westside Drive was appointed as an alternate member of the zoning board of appeals.

The board approved the town court's application for grant funding up to $30,000 from the state Town Justice Court Assistance Program. If funded, the money would be used to buy new computer, office and security equipment.

The Town of Ballston town council will meet again Tuesday, July 31 at town hall.""